Receiver hasn't played since 2011

Chad Johnson works out with the Montreal Alouettes. (Photo courtesy of Alouettes)

Chad Johnson file photo (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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MONTREAL (AP) — Former Bengals star Chad Johnson will make his return to the gridiron in the Canadian Football League.

The 36-year-old receiver signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday after impressing team officials at a minicamp in Vero Beach, Fla. Johnson spent 10 seasons with the Bengals (2001-10) and last appeared in an NFL game during the 2011 season with New England.

"It's about the opportunity to play football again – something I love," said Johnson. "I made a horrible mistake and a dream of mine since I was 4 years old was taken from me – rightfully so – and I just want to get back to doing what I love to do."

Johnson was in training camp in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins but his contract was terminated one day after he was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery.

A plea deal was eventually worked out, but after a probation violation Johnson wound up going to jail for a few days after a judge objected to the way he slapped his lawyer on the backside in celebration.

Johnson, who once changed his last name to Ochocinco (he wore No. 85 for the Bengals), was a six-time Pro Bowler and caught 766 passes for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns.

"Chad Johnson did an outstanding job the last three days," Alouettes general manager Jim Popp said in a statement. "As we added him into the mix, it was to see how he communicated with the players, how he held himself, the way he physically held up, his true interest in coming to the CFL.